Mom Hacks: How to Pack the Diaper Bag for a Day Out

This post was created in partnership with YMC and PC Organics Baby and I havereceived compensation for this post. All opinions in the post are my own and if you look in my bag right now, you’ll find everything I’ve listed below!

As a busy mom of two children and two businesses, there is one phrase I hear most often when out and about: “Looks like you have your hands full”. I’ll smile, reply with a comment about how my heart is always fuller than my hands and we’ll both continue on our merry way.

But the truth is that mom life and entrepreneur life are both hard, incredibly rewarding beyond measure, but some days still hard.

On most occasions, I find it’s actually easier on all of us if we make the effort to get out of the house, even for a short adventure. Vancouver has some incredible family-friendly places to take the kids, plus the natural beauty is without rival.

With two kids under the age of three, I’ve learned the hard way that I have to be prepared for anything! But I don’t like carrying around a lot of bulk in my bag so here’s my absolute bare-bones essentials for packing the diaper bag with what you really need!

Always have reinforcements

Sh*t happens, literally. I’ve made the mistake of not packing enough diapers, wipes or a back up change of clothes. Don’t make my mistake! Packing an extra set of everything and making sure you have enough diapers and wipes for the day is absolutely essential because you never know when a blow out is going to happen or a potty training regression may be headed your way.

In addition, I recommend bringing an extra set of comfy leggings and an extra shirt or onesie in your children’s sizes everywhere you go because they fold up easier and take up less space in your bag.

Snacks, snacks, snacks!

You can never go wrong with a bag full of snacks! Whether it be the after-class snack for the toddler or something for the little one to munch on while big brother has his soccer practice, snacks are always a must-have! Beyond that, I’ve been stuck in traffic or held up waiting in line with my kids far more times than I would like to count and my saving grace has always been a healthy, delicious and age-appropriate snack.

Right now my kids are loving the new PC Organics new line of 100% certified organic food for emerging eaters. Both my kids are super independent self-feeders who like to do it themselves so I look for nutritious foods that are easy for them to self-feed and make minimal mess when we are on the go.

Thankfully it appears that we are raising two future foodies because these kids have a cultured and expensive palette! But even if they didn’t, these snacks are pretty dang delicious! I may have snacked a fruit and oat bar myself…

And the only final thing I’ll say about snacks is however many you think you need for a day out, pack two extra! Because you never know what may happen and no one likes being stuck with a hangry toddler meltdown out in public!

A new toy

Kids always like to explore something new so make sure you have a new toy for them to hold and discover.

By new, I don’t necessarily mean that you always have to go out an buy something new for them; you all know that I prefer to be minimalist in the toy department. But make sure that you rotate the toys in your car or diaper bag so that they don’t see the same toys all the time. This keeps things interesting for them and quiet(er) for you!

Extras

Beyond those three most essential items, you need the phone, wallet, keys combo for you. Personally, I also like to bring an extra lipstick or lip balm plus a pack of mints and a travel size of floss to save me from any potentially embarrassing encounters.

It’s also a smart idea to keep a few band-aids in your bag and a basic first-aid kit in your car.

You can also add items from this list below, depending on the seasons or the circumstances that you anticipate.

Spring/Summer:

Sunscreen

Hat with a brim

Sunglasses

Optional: Keep a clean, dry towel in your car so that you’re prepared for any spontaneous trips to the beach or waterpark. A set of beach toys or simply a bucket and shovel is never a bad idea too!

Fall/Winter:

Extra Sweater

Warm Toque

Mittens

Only when needed:

A toy for teething

Thermometer

Baby Tylenol

A soft, small cloth for wiping snotty noses, baby spit up or any other gross thing baby may need cleaned

And there you have it, my simplified, bare necessities tips for how to pack the diaper bag for a day out! With these important items, you’ll be ready and equipped for anything these tiny humans may throw your way!

So go forth and conquer, mama! Don’t be afraid to get out of the house and take your children on grand adventures!

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Tara Teng is an ethical fashion blogger, Miss World Canada 2012, a TEDx speaker, and the CEO of Justly Market. She is a big believer in impacting the world for the better and chooses to invest her time in working to improve gender ... VIEW POST

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